Masquers offer holiday spirit in 'Christmas with Little Women'
SOAP LAKE – The tribulations and triumphs of the March family over two holiday seasons played out on the Masquers stage Friday evening with the debut performance of “Christmas with Little Women.”
Directed by Marla Allsopp and Rainy Anderson, the play adaptation by Phyllis McCallum follows the lives of the four March sisters in the classic coming-of-age tale by American novelist Louisa May Alcott, set in 19th Century Massachusetts amid the backdrop of the Civil War.
The family’s initial holiday is marred by the receipt of a telegram from the War Department. While serving as a chaplain in the Union Army, Father lies ill in Washington, D.C. and Mrs. March (Jessica Stredwick) must leave to care for him. The sisters share in their sacrifices – and occasional sibling resentment – during the difficult time.
However, a year later, Christmas is again a joyous occasion. Beth (Summer Kump) has quietly helped keep peace in the family. Amy (Sawyer Greenfield) has gotten an opportunity to go to Europe. Budding writer Jo (Mary Hale) sells her first story to a newspaper. Meg (Finley Wittenborn) is in love and engaged to John Brooke (Connor Leasher), who is a tutor for Laurie (Ely Parrott). And, the family receives glad tidings that Father is healthy again and coming home on the evening train.
Adding spirit to the production, Kristina Allman as stalwart maid Hannah and Masquers' veteran Carol Boyce as the cantankerous matriarch Aunt March round out the cast.
Performances are scheduled again today and Sunday, and next Friday through Sunday, Dec. 12-14. Show times and tickets can be viewed at www.masquers.com.
Here's a look at some of the scenes:
